More and more, organizations are beginning to realize the importance of workplace design and how it can impact their bottom line, both in terms of revenue and in keeping great talent.

Just how valuable is creativity at work? Creativity is, by definition, the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. As more and more companies desire associates who think and work differently, the more important creativity at work is becoming. Organizations that are open to creative thinking are ahead of the curve. In fact, unlocking creative potential is the key to economic and societal growth. We've interviewed several of our own creative associates (here and here) to find out how expressing personal creativity makes a difference in their lives. Read about three more of our creative team members!

Have you ever talked to your boss or C-Suite about branding and heard the following responses: "I'm not sure branding is worth the investment right now. We have other things to prioritize like recruiting talent or hitting financial goals. We can put some graphics on the walls later"? I've personally heard these many times. But you can change the perception. After branding spaces in various industries, here are some things I've learned that can help.

What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘corporate wellness?’ Often, we tend to think of wellness programs involving a fitness center staffed with personal trainers, a smoking cessation program, a 10,000 steps challenge, or nutrition counseling. Generally, wellness programs can be defined as organized and coordinated programs that have the goal of enhancing the physical, mental, and emotional status of individuals.

A 2018 study from FMI Corporation entitled “New Day, New Mindset: Rethinking Offsite Construction” shows just how dramatically things have changed for prefab construction in the past three years. In fact, 61% of survey respondents think that today’s offsite construction environment (which includes prefab construction) is different than in 2014. The top reasons for this change are the skilled labor shortage on the job site and increasing pressure on both project costs and project schedules.

The mission at YWCA Columbus is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. It's an organization that focuses on breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women and families – not just in critical moments, but every single day. The historic Griswold building in downtown Columbus, Ohio houses the YWCA Columbus Center for Women, which provides permanent supportive housing for women struggling with disabilities and chronic homeless-ness. It’s also where an administrative staff of 60 provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for residents. As a 90-year-old building in constant use, the time had come to make some much-needed updates to the space. Through a year-long renovation project we helped to bring this LEED-certified building into the 21^st century, while maintaining the integrity of this special structure from the early 1900s.

How much does branding cost? It's probably the most common question we get asked by clients every day. It can literally be the "$64,000 Question." That's why I'm going to tell you the truth about branding budgets, even though it might not be what you want to hear.

The University of Toledo had a very long hallway in their College of Engineering, with very blank walls. Not only was the hall used by current students for studying and socializing, but it was a primary avenue for prospective students visiting the school. The school wanted to use branding as a recruitment tool, and allow students to learn about the different concentrations available to study at the college.

It pays to invest in creativity at work. Three in four people believe there’s an increasing pressure to be productive rather than creative at work. Yet, more than half say there’s an increasing expectation to think creatively at work. The most successful and innovative companies are the ones that generate better ideas faster. When companies encourage and support creative thinking and creative work, the results are powerful. We recently interviewed three more of our freakishly creative associates to find out how expressing personal creativity makes a difference in their lives.

Ask any business what their biggest investments are and they’ll likely respond with their people and their real estate. Coincidentally, these are also likely their greatest assets.